The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration’s, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing an auto supply chain trade mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico, September 23-26, 2013. This mission is intended to focus on a variety of U.S. industry and service providers, particularly those suppliers of spare parts, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and components, hybrid vehicle components, precision assembly devices and systems that enhance efficiency in the OEM manufacturing process.

The mission will introduce participants to end-users and prospective partners whose needs and capabilities are targeted to the respective U.S. participants’ strengths. Participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to Mexico independently, will enhance the companies’ abilities to secure meetings with potential partners and buyers.

Mexico’s automotive industry ranks as the 8th largest vehicle producer in the world and the second-largest in Latin America. The automotive sector accounts for 17.6 percent of Mexico’s manufacturing sector and 3 percent of its national GDP contribution. There are currently nine manufacturers in Mexico: General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Fiat, Renault, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. This manufacturing base produces 42 brands in 20 manufacturing plants. Nissan, GM, Volkswagen, and Honda plan to increase their production in Mexico while Fiat, Audi and Mazda are currently opening up new plants for vehicle manufacturing in Mexico. Vehicle production in Mexico has almost doubled in the past three years.

The goals of the Auto Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico are (1) to introduce U.S. companies to potential end-users, distributors and representatives in Mexico City, Monterrey, and their surrounding areas, and (2) to introduce U.S. companies to industry leaders and government officials in Mexico City and Monterrey to learn about various opportunities in the automotive industry.